Audi Q3 Sportback Review

Introduction

The economy of India as we know it has experienced tremendous expansion in recent years, as has the average person's disposable income. Due to their rising status, more Indians are eager to own luxury cars, and the simplest way to do so is by purchasing an entry-level luxury SUV. The segment is crowded with choices due to the high level of interest. The German luxury automaker Audi introduced the Q3 Sportback. This is a luxury SUV and a premium SUV coupe to break up the monotony and give another dimension to its image.

Last year, Audi launched its Q3 model, which was very charming. After several months, its Sportback is now available. The Audi Sportback is simply the Q3 with a few unique features, primarily related to the exterior design. So, should you pay the extra money for the Sportback or stick with the SUV version?

Exteriors

First and foremost, we must begin this assessment with the design of this Audi since it is the primary distinction between the Q3 SUV and the Q3 Sportback. This car stands out among its competitors because of its sloping roofline, distinctive body profile, and turbo blue color scheme. The S-line exterior package further accentuates the design, which includes a silver shade frame on the grille, front bumper air vents, and a diffuser. The Sportback has a sporty appeal because of the interplay of black, silver, and blue colors.

The Audi Q3 was created to attract younger, wealthier consumers seeking functional, fashionable, and affordable cars. Audi attempted to give the SUV more character with the Sportback and succeeded admirably. It gains a dynamic stance and unquestionably increases its road presence thanks to the coupe-SUV makeover.

The Q3 Sportback appears small and adorable all around. Its design is dominated by angular creases and shoulder lines, giving it a striking appearance. The 18-inch alloy wheels are more attractive than the Q3, but they still lack some personality compared to the 19-inch foreign variant.

Interior and Features

The front portion of the cabin shares the same layout as the Q3 SUV, resulting in a sleek, contemporary design with some unique surfaces and shapes covered in high-quality materials throughout. Perhaps the design could have used a little more dazzle, but that is a personal preference, and then you have some customization options with the choice of beige or brown upholstery. It's well equipped, including a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, fully featured infotainment, digital dial screens, powered front seats, gesture-controlled powered tailgate, and dual-zone climate control. The usage of Leather enhances the level of comfort even further. Front seats can be electrically adjusted, and a front armrest has a comfort feature. The back seats can also be adjusted.

However, the vehicle lacks amenities like memory settings for the front seats, ventilated seats, & a 360-degree camera, which are now standard in many low-cost vehicles. The SUV has so far felt very practical, but its distinctions are more noticeable in the back. The disadvantage of this body type is that you must sacrifice the back passengers' comfort. The back seat isn't as roomy as a typical SUV. It would be best to lower yourself to get in; taller passengers will have limited headroom while inside.

Despite this, the seating is comfortable, with plenty of thigh support and adequate leg room. The bench is shaped for two passengers, much like in a conventional car, so a third will be more comfortable, but unlike an SUV, customers only get a single-pane, not a panoramic, sunroof.

Surprisingly, Audi claims that the Sportback's 530-liter boot size is equivalent to the ordinary Q3, even though the usable storage space is a bit smaller and a space-saving spare tire is placed under the floor.

Engine, Mileage, and Drive Impression

As with every new Audi, no diesel engine is available, but with the Sportback, this seems to be fine; after all, practicality wasn't your primary factor when selecting this model. In addition, this 40 TFSI has a fantastic petrol engine. It has a powerful 190 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, delivered with great accuracy by a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and standard all-wheel drive, quickly becoming extinct in this market. Although it doesn't have the sharpest handling, that's good because most owners will find it benign, predictable, and pleasant to drive with the underutilized safety net of AWD.

One engine option is available for the Audi Q3 Sportback, a 2.0-liter petrol engine with 190 HP & 320 Nm of output. While these stats may not appear sufficient when compared to the competition on paper, they offer exceptional performance for an SUV the weight of the Sportback. It isn't wrong to claim that the Sportback is a driver's car.

Additionally, it can be refined or refined when you want it to be; push the Drive Selection switch until you reach the Comfort or Efficiency settings. Considering the performance of this 2.0 TFSI engine, it even managed to get us between 10 and 12 kpl when we were driving gently. This mode is excellent for city usage because it makes steering light and simple.

Again, that's fine, even though the suspension is a little soft. Although it still handles well when driven quickly through curves, you can have a good time with it; it is far more valuable in the Indian setting regarding comfort.

Ride and Handling

The Q3 Sportback's ride quality is excellent, and it successfully avoids the majority of potholes. Surface changes are little noticeable, and even terrible roads are barely felt inside the cabin.

Due to its small size, getting through a city's congested and narrow streets is simple. As soon as you hit the highway, you'll notice that the coupe-SUV excels in other areas, including high-speed stability. The cabin's effective noise insulation prevents most road noises from entering the cabin.

It is composed and nimble when handling. Even though it's an SUV, it is like driving a hot hatch. It feels enjoyable and athletic to push it through corners. The balance between sporty and comfortable drive keeps the drive exciting and adrenaline-pumping.

Price

Compared to the regular Q3, the Audi Q3 Sportback costs Rs.51.43 lakh, representing a pretty appealing premium of just Rs.1.04 lakh above the top Technology variant of its average SUV model. However, the Audi Q3 was already one of the more expensive cars in the market. Thus the Sportback remains well within the boundaries of this compact luxury SUV segment.

Conclusion

The Q3 Sportback, on the other hand, makes you feel confined in the backseat because of its smaller interior compared to coupe SUVs. Therefore, you must carefully weigh the trade-off between fashion and utility. However, it might be worthwhile if you are a rare backseat passenger. With the Q3 Sportback, you get a head-turning SUV in a small package that is also exceptionally well-built, well-equipped, luxurious, comfortable, and enjoyable to drive.